*******************

April

*******************

Flash Event! ( we have to do more of these.

If you go somewhere fun, let’s set up a flash event and all join in)

It is always fun to remember the old days of hanging out with our cars and having hamburgers and milkshakes with our friends. Well, we can still do that today, especially with the recent opening of a Mel’s Diner in Livermore CA. We were able to have prime parking right in front of the restaurant. It was a great time, bringing local people in the area to stop by and admire our great cars. Then, we got to enjoy our Mel Burgers and Milkshakes. What a super outing. Thanks to Mary Cummins for organizing such a great event.

T-birds (and a cousin or two) and good friends as far as the eye can see!

BATOC Princess Cruise

Ed will tell us all about it and we will post soon!

*******************

March

*******************

Saturday March 10 – Bowling for Tires

We all had a ball bowling Saturday. We didn’t all get a pin, however.

Dinner was at Castle rock in Livermore. De-licious! Service was great. food was great.

Maria did a great job with the whole event, picking the activity, picking the restaurant, and especially with the after party deserts at the ever gracious Guthrie’s home.

It was enough to bowl you over.

OK, it isn’t bowling for tires, but it is bowling and it sounds cool, right?! You get it? Tires, T-Birds. T-Birds roll on tires?

Anyway, the Guthrie’s are still working on this. Well, on the bowling. Not on the tires. Whatever.

December

Friday Dec 22nd – BATOC Holiday Extravaganza

As usual, the BATOC Christmas
party was a total success. Thanks
go out to Diana & Jack Starr for
putting on a truly special event. We
were able to enjoy the beautiful
Rossmoor Dollar Clubhouse, and the
catering was superb. But the best
of all was the gift exchange. We had
much frivolity with the snatching of
gifts from each other as usual. We
also had a large number of
children’s toys brought for the Toys
for Tots Drive. A great time was had
by all!

*****************************************

November

*****************************************

Saturday, November 18th

Rosie the Riveter Museum, and the SS Red Oak Victory

On Nov 18th BATOC visited the SS Red Oak Victory ship at the site of the Richmond shipyards. The Red Oak was a supply ship built during WW11. One of the last ships built in Richmond it was retired and sent to the mothball fleet where it stayed for years until it was brought back to the shipyards and became a part of the park’s system. It is slowly being brought back to its former glory by a dedicated team of volunteers. BATOC enjoyed docent led tours of the ship. The docents were very informative and shared some stories about the ship and it’s history. Before it was mothballed all the doors and hatches were welded shut and it was vacuumed of air so when they cut open the access to the inside of the ship everything was just as it had been left when it was decommissioned. Like a big floating time capsule with all the correspondence, letters, maps and all existing paperwork from back in the day.
After the ship tours we visited the Rosie The Riveter Museum, also run by the park system. The museum celebrates the contribution women made to the war effort. These women were not just volunteering at the local USO for some GIs to have someone to dance with when they were in town. They were working in the down and dirty jobs in the shipyards and factories churning out military product that was needed overseas to continue the fight against the enemy. I’m sure nearly everybody knew, or knows, someone that was a Rosie. I’ll bet they all have stories to tell. Nice that they have a place like this to showcase some of them so they are not all lost to time.
After enjoying what there was to see it was time for lunch at Assemble. The restaurant is on the site of the former Ford assembly plant in Richmond.
I think everyone had a good time and probably learned something as well. Thanks go to Greg Canella for putting a good outing together for the club. Job well done!

*****************************************

October

*****************************************

Friday, Oct 27th thru Sunday, Oct 29th

Run to the Avenue of the Giants

NO, NOT THE BASEBALL TEAM.
On Oct 27 a few brave souls embarked on a journey up north to Humbolt County to experience the grandeur of the Avenue Of The Giants. The largest, and some of the most beautiful, trees on the planet reside practically in our own backyard. Why would we not? The weather was fabulous and the scenery could not be beat.
Most of our group started the day with a good break-fast at Mel’s Diner in Pinole after which we hit the road on our adventure. We were 7 Tbirds and 2 x brands. 16 travelers in all. The first leg was to Healdsburg to pick up lunch at Big John’s Market which were ready for us when we got there. This route took us up through the area of some of the devastation of the recent wildfires that rolled through northern California. We were running topless so the smell from the fires was still pretty strong. Pretty frightening to see in person. They are
already rebuilding so things are on the mend. The next stop was Underwood Park in Leggett for a nice picnic and the drive thru Chandelier Tree for some awesome pics. After lunch we headed north to Piercy for a stop at the Grand-father Tree (estimated 2500 yrs old) and “tour” of the Log House and get some much needed gas. Next stop was Confusion Hill to grab an ice cream and check out some of the ginormous carvings around the parking lot. It was time to make a run for the Miranda Gardens Resort and check in to our accommodations. We had dinner reservations at the historic Benbow Inn. A really neat, very old hotel that many of the early Hollywood types frequented. A step into the lobby and dining room is like a step back in time. Dinner was awesome and the service was first rate.
We decided on the café across the street for breakfast before setting out for the day. Since the Miranda is already 6 miles in on the Avenue of the Giants we thought it best if we made our way to our northern most destination and work our way back so we set out for Fern-dale. Ferndale is a fairly typical small town except for the architecture. Most of the businesses and homes are built with a very ornate Victorian style. Let me tell you, all the beautiful Tbirds parked on Main St, in the middle of Fern-dale caused quite a stir. It was like the biggest thing to hap-pen to that town since the big flood in ‘48 (or whatever). Seemed like everyone in our group was able to find some-thing that interested them. Some went shopping. Some wandered around town to see the sights. Some found their way to the Palace bar (surprise) for something to warm up the insides. The funny thing was Kim and I wandered in and had an Irish coffee and it was pretty quiet with only a couple of local pa-trons in the place. We left and walked down one side of Main St and back up the other side (all of 3 or 4 blocks). By the time we got back up to the Palace it seemed like the rest of our group had discovered the place but when I walked in it seemed like a totally different place. The bar was full and lively. The music was cranked up. It was as if when BATOC walked in the place woke up and said, ”alright now it’s a party!”
We departed Ferndale and headed back to the big trees. I had read about the Dyerville Tree that the National Forest Service listed as the biggest living tree in the world (17 feet dia., 385 feet high ) until it fell over in 1991. Well, if you’re going to see big trees, you have to go see the biggest one, right? So the next stop was Founder’s Grave. It involved a nice little walkabout to find it and you know what? DAM IT WAS BIG! By then it was getting late so we headed back to the Miranda for the evening. Pizza was bought and consumed and I have to thank Tom and Lita for allowing all of us to invade their cabin for dinner and breakfast the next morning too. Very gracious.Sunday it was time to roll out and head home but we still had a couple stops to make on the way. One was a little roadside yard art/trinket store where Bigfoot is apparently a major attraction and you can get any size, shape or color of carved redwood bear that you could ever imagine. Next stop was Richardson Grove that at first seemed like it wasn’t going to be much but turned out to be a hidden gem. From the lodge/ranger station/gift shop to the gorgeous walking trails to learn-ing about the history of the place and the many things and events the place had been through the years. Very cool and an awesome place to get some great photos. The last stop on the tour was in Hopland at Jackson Keys Winery. Amanda (a native of Walnut Creek) was very welcoming and poured our tastings out on the porch of the house that was built in 1880 while we tried our best to polish off the rest of the snacks we had brought. Most enjoyable.
I’d like to thank everybody that made the trip and I like to think everyone had as good a time as we did. Now it’s up to somebody else to come up with something for next year. BD

We left Tracy and drove to Copperopolis for a trip to the past. We searched the wall for the dollar BATOC left years ago, told stories, sampled libations, enjoyed each other and the absorbed the ambiance.

On to Murphy’s and the Hotel. (We cant show those pictures)

Then to the show in the morning to spend the day with the most interesting people and amazing cars imaginable. Mary suprised me by buying me a perfectly restored Duesenberg (NOT!)

We saw cars swimming, cars with wheels missing, cars with houses behind them, and on and on.After the show we dropped into Angels Camp for dinner, ice cream, and of course a beverage or two.

Then off the next day for Fricken good time at the Twisted Vine Winery where rubber chickens roost in the trees and Frikens pose for pictures with you. . Then to Columbia for a real trip into the past.

********************************************************************

August

********************************************************************

Sacramento Train Ride

Thanks to Dave for great company, a gorgeous drive along the Sacramento river, a congenial trip on vintage rail cars even older then our own. And for a delicious lunch on the beautiful Delta King, followed by libations at the Hood.

following our privileged path, to the center of the kingdom we flew, deft as a stampcrab.

We conquered –

one of the flock became the chosen

WE ATE –

Much merriment surrounded the celebratory feast, even while haunted by spirits

Most all the attendees are represented. However, no spirits were captured on film. Remember, they are downloadable. (The pictures only, you’ll need to provide your own spirits)

******************

July

Saturday July 15th – Progressive Dinner

The club shares our deep condolences to Skip, our founder and would be desert host, who lost his wife the week before this dinner.

To all of our hosts, we cannot thank you enough for your generosity of time and spirit to make this memory for all of us.

_________________________________________

First, to the olson’s beautiful home for tasty Hors d’oeuvres, an spectacular view, and great conversation.

Thank you David & Dolores for your gracious hosting and all your effort. you made it a great time for all of us. The food was wonderful. The route 66 theme so dear to our hearts was extra fun. The company was, of course, as always, unbeatable.

Then to the Benson’s gorgeous home for an incredible meal

Thank you Ed & Donna for your company, sharing your amazing home with us, for a very full day of cooking and the presentation of a marvelous dinner. The club took full advantage of your great outdoors and your artful home, oh and also the bar(s).

Then, off to see Dave and Susan where we capped the day with an evening of beverage, bake goods and burr, cold ice cream (yeah, I know. Cut me some slack. I was trying for alliteration, whatever that is) in what can only be described as their in their enchanted property.

Always the consummate hosts, Thank you Dave and Susan for providing the perfect fun and relaxed close to the day.

But wait, …there’s more!

Bud’s 80th Birthday

MAY

Saturday May 28th 1PM to 5PM – 2nd annual “Birds in the Valley”

On a beautiful afternoon in May a number of gorgeous Tbirds descended upon Veteran’s Park in Tracy to celebrate the beginning of summer. Sponsored by our Vice President Marlon and his lovely wife Phoebe. Kim and I were not able to attend. We were on a mission to scope out an October run for the club but it seems that everyone had a good time. There was the morning gathering at Jim and Maria’s party headquarters in Livermore and the subsequent cruise through the beautiful countryside to Tracy where Marlon had secured the BBQ/party area and parking for the birds. From the looks of the pics posted to the BATOC website, it seems like it was a wonderful affair. Looks like Paul and Irene took home the iron this year (I suppose Jim and Maria must be running out of award room) for their 55 with a continental kit. Looks like everything went well and no breakdowns this year on the trip home. YAY! A big thank you goes out to Marlon and Phoebe for killing it again this year. (More to come on the friggin awesome overnighter that we are working up for October)

April

Sunday April 9th – WINE COUNTRY DRIVE

We all lucked out for our wine country drive on Sunday morning. Thirteen beautiful Tbirds headed up Interstate 680, through American Canyon and on into Napa Valley wine country. After a short pitstop in downtown Napa at the Oxbow Market Place in spite of the parking shortage caused by the Easter egg hunt next door at the Culinary Institute. We all headed out and wound our way up a narrow two lane road through Dry Creek valley.
Using a non–competition scavenger hunt list we were all alerted to keep watch out for various sightings like dinosaurs, barn finds, one lane bridges and volunteer fire departments. We all arrived safe and sound at the collection of Pat & Patti Matthews high on Mayacamas Mountain.
After some bubbly and a short tour of their collection, we all sat down for some very tasty box lunches. Once our hunger
was satisfied Pat gave a formal tour of the collection includingthe fascinating history and restoration of each car. He even included a tour of his auxiliary garage, basement and machine shop where he did the complete frameoff restorations.
After a raffle drawing for a prize generously donated by the Matthews some headed on home returning through Sonoma Valley and the rest of us headed down the mountain for a little wine tasting of the delicious wines offered by Muscardini Cellars. They even gave us front row parking along the highway to showcase our cars which included Pat & Patti’s bright red Alfa Romeo.
A great time was had by all.
JV
Thanks to John and Alice for hosting this event and providing the writeup.

March

March 25th – BOCCE-TOC

BATOC goes BOCCE-TOC

On March 25th, BATOC members descended on Livermore for a fun-filled and memorable day. We started out at the Duarte Garage located on what was the original Lincoln Highway. Will Bolton, museum curator, welcomed us warmly and lead us on a tour through the history of the garage including lots of historic memorabilia, historic Livermore fire engines beautifully restored to operating condition, the pulley operated machine shop, and much, much more. We kindly thank Will Bolton, Anna Siig and the Livermore Heritage Guild for their hospitality.

Next came the caravan through downtown Livermore! What a sight it was to see a dozen or so classic T-Birds driving through town! I’m told many locals actually actually stopped their dining or shopping, got their phones and cameras out, and captured some really great photos!

Lastly, we ended up at Campo di Bocce. After receiving a lesson in how to play Bocce Ball, we divided ourselves into 4 teams and were left to our own accord to battle it out. The competition was fierce, but great fun was had by all — especially those who won and couldn’t stop doing the happy dance! We ended the day reviving our energy with an Italian feast and….oh such great desserts!!

February

Sunday February 5, 2017 – 2PM – SUPER BOWL PARTY

On Feb 5th members of BATOC descended on Jim and Maria’s home in Livermore to partake in a club tradition…the annual Super Bowl party. As in years past it was a fabulous affair. Although there no local teams in the contest, local boy Tom Brady was in it to win it. It did-n’t look good for the Pat’s at the half but they came back and pulled off the biggest comeback in Super Bowl his-tory. Then there was Lady Gaga’s leap from on top of the stadium roof and the million drone (so it seemed) light show. Very cool. I must say I’m more of a Metallica fan than Lady Gaga but they didn’t ask me who I wanted to see at half time. Plus James Hetfield probably does-n’t have the balls to make that leap anyway.
But I digress.
The food was great and plenti-ful and the company couldn’t be beat.
Thanks go to Jim and Maria for opening up their beautiful home and hosting yet another wonderful Super Bowl party.

January

Saturday January 21, 2017 – PRESIDENT’S MYSTERY TOUR 2017

BATOC’s annual President’s Mystery Tour was held on January 21 this year. Our illus-trious leader did an excellent job keeping the location a secret (from most everyone) this year. We were told we would be heading in a southerly direction and we would be visiting a world renowned restoration facility. After which we would be lunching near a body of water. Well, the last part wasn’t that difficult to figure out but for the life of me I could not figure out where we were going. Our destination, it turned out, was Canepa in Scotts Valley (www.canepa.com). An absolutely incredible collection of cars. Some of them could easily be elevated to the category of works of art. Down-stairs is the “for sale” show-room with its gathering of some of the coolest exotics and high dollar restorations I have seen in one place. All for sale for the right price.

The upstairs held Bruce Canepa’s car collection featuring some iconic race cars, some very cool motorcycles and other legendary exhibits from the world of auto racing. From Dale Ernhart’s Nascar to one of the Titus Trans Ams and the list goes on. Amazing!! (did I say that already?) . If you could tear yourself away from the amazing collection long enough to walk around the corner and through a door you found a catwalk that over looked the shop area. There were even more amazing (sorry, I can’t seem to stop saying that) cars in various stages of restoration. From a 70 Cutlass to a Lambo that looked like it was having it’s appendix removed in an operating room. AMAZ-ING!!
After that we had lunch somewhere (just kidding). After we left Scott’s Valley we traveled to Capatola for lunch at Zelda’s on the beach. We were able to have a relaxing meal while watching the waves crash just on the other side of the big windows.
It was a great run and a fan-tastic way to kick off what promises to be a fun filled year of new adventures with some great friends and our Bay Area Thunderbird Club.

December

On a cool and calm night in early December members of BATOC gathered at Zio Fraedo’s for our annual Christmas party and gift exchange melee. Thanks to Sandy
for putting it together for us. We had our choice of delicious entrées served with bread, salad, and dessert. After the meal we started the gift exchange. It seemed fairly subdued at the start with no one stealing but then things started to heat up around the unwrapping of some Whisky and then it was on. I think everyone enjoyed themselves even if they didn’t end up with the exact gift they wanted. That’s ok, it’s all in the fun of the hunt.